Cody Gakpo’s journey at Liverpool has been nothing short of transformative. As he marked the second anniversary of his arrival from PSV Eindhoven on Boxing Day, it’s clear his career trajectory could have taken a different turn had Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag secured his services in 2022.
Gakpo recalled his near-move to Old Trafford during an interview with Sky Sports in early 2024: “I was in contact with the club, and we spoke with the manager, who’s Dutch as well. But in the end, it didn’t happen, and Liverpool came in. Best decision for me.”
That decision has proven pivotal for both Gakpo and Liverpool. While United continues to struggle with a misfiring attack and forwards like Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and Joshua Zirkzee finding inconsistent form, Gakpo has emerged as a key player for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, who has guided the Reds to the top of the Premier League.
Though Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s standout performer, contributing 37 goal involvements this season, Gakpo has shown his importance at critical moments. With five Premier League goals, Gakpo’s strikes have often come when his side needed them most. He has scored three crucial equalizers, each time when Liverpool was trailing 1-0 at home, turning the tide in matches against Leicester, Fulham, and Brighton. Additionally, he netted the opening goal in a crucial clash with Manchester City and secured a memorable result with a goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Gakpo’s impact isn’t limited to goals. His ability to create chances for his teammates has made him one of the most influential forwards in Slot’s squad, leading the team in shot-creation actions per 90 minutes. Even Salah, the team’s top scorer, has not matched Gakpo’s all-around contribution.
A key factor in Gakpo’s rise has been his move to the left wing. While he played in this role at PSV, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp often deployed him in other positions. However, under Slot’s guidance, Gakpo has returned to his natural position, finding a renewed sense of purpose.
“I feel really good in this position,” Gakpo said. “It’s like the old me, like what I did at PSV. I’m now in one-vs-ones more often, facing the opponent, where I can really go inside, cross, shoot, or go outside to cross – it’s more my game.”
As Liverpool embarks on a critical stretch of fixtures, with eight matches in January alone, Gakpo’s importance will only grow. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him indispensable to Slot’s side as they aim to maintain their title charge across multiple competitions.
Gakpo’s transformation from a player finding his feet at Liverpool to a clutch performer has been one of the most striking developments of the season, and as the Reds face their toughest challenges yet, the Dutchman will surely play a pivotal role in their pursuit of success.
